Dennison family emotional as DUI driver sentenced

WAKEFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Family and friends were emotional in court on Wednesday, as the man responsible for 17-year-old Matthew Dennison’s death was sentenced.

32-year-old Alexander Krajewski pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to the drunk driving crash that killed Dennison.

Matthew’s mother, Brenda Dennison, was emotional in court as she spoke about the future her son was robbed of.

“He was ready to play some junior hockey and join the police academy,” Dennison said. “He wanted to be a police officer since he was 10 years old.”

On Feb. 12, 2022, Krajewski drove into oncoming traffic while drunk on Ten Rod Road in Exeter, his truck hitting a Nissan Altima with Matthew and his best friend, Kevin MacDonald, inside.

Matthew died after roughly 26 surgeries in 27 days in the trauma unit at Rhode Island Hospital.

“27 days of waiting,” Dennison said. “27 days of watching our 17-year-old son decline and deteriorate right in front of our eyes.”

Kevin, who suffered severe injuries and a tragedy he’ll never forget, comforted his mother, Kristine Bouthillier, at the podium.

“I still mourn the life my son may have lived and what he and Matt may have done next,” Bouthillier said.

Krajewski was also emotional in court, giving a brief statement before hearing his sentence.

“I’m so sorry for putting you through this nightmare,” Krajewski said. “And I’m sorry for all the pain and suffering I brought to you.”

Matthew’s father, Mark Dennison told ABC 6 News that his family found some closure in knowing Krajewski was going to jail.

“At least this chapter is closed and we don’t have to come to this building anymore,” Dennison said. “And we can just start living the rest of our lives without our son and try to figure out how to deal with that.”

Krajewski will serve 12 years at the ACI with 15 years probation.